Client-server architecture

Iray Bridge is split into two distinct parts: Iray Bridge Client and Iray Bridge Server.

Iray Bridge Client

Iray Bridge Client is integrated in the application that wishes to use the resources of the remote cluster, for example, the Iray Viewer application shipped with Iray.

Iray Bridge Client connects to a single Iray Bridge Server. The client does not form an Iray cluster with the remote server. Iray Bridge Server can be part of a normal Iray cluster of any size, which automatically makes the resources of the entire remote cluster available to the Iray Bridge client. The client can be part of an Iray cluster of any size, but the resources of the client-side cluster are used only when rendering locally, not when rendering using a remote cluster through Iray Bridge.

Iray Bridge Server

Iray Bridge Server is a single remote host that makes its resources available to Iray Bridge clients through a proprietary network protocol over a single TCP/IP connection. The client uses the connection to send changes and delegate work to the remote server; the server uses the connection to send rendered images and other data back to the client.

An Iray Bridge server can serve multiple clients at the same time. This is equivalent to starting multiple renderings simultaneously on a host in a normal local Iray cluster. Performance results will be similar.